81 Dead in Texas Floods as Search for Missing Campers Continues

Central Texas is reeling from catastrophic flash floods that have left at least 81 people dead and over 40 still missing, with the death toll expected to climb as search-and-rescue operations continue. The hardest-hit region was Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River rose a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping through Camp Mystic — a beloved summer camp for girls. Several children and the camp’s longtime director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, are among the confirmed dead.

Rescue crews, battling mud, debris, and venomous snakes, are shifting toward recovery mode as torrential rain looms through Monday night. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the scene "nothing short of horrific" and vowed to leave no one behind in the ongoing rescue mission. President Donald Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for the region and may visit later this week.

Community support has surged in the wake of the tragedy. Locals have provided food, shelter, and clothing to those affected, while messages of sympathy have poured in from around the world — including a heartfelt statement from Pope Leo XIV in Rome. As Texas braces for more rain, volunteers and emergency crews remain committed to the daunting task of finding the missing and supporting the devastated community.